Is there any backup strategy for GIS data?
Say .mxd, shape files, data base connection files, feature layers, geo-database etc.
According to ideal methodology:
1.On external hard drive : best to take backup of all folders and sub folders.
2.Working on ArcGIS JSAPI so taking daily backup on CVS
Similar fashion what would be the recommended backup strategy for GIS Data?
We are using ESRI and open source platform (Desktop and server based + spatial database)
Any help would be great!!
Answer
Is there any backup strategy for GIS data?
No, the way it should be is a project has an assigned number for record keeping - the server has this Job_Number and all files emails,quotes,GIS_raw_data, processed data and finally the delivered data/map/pdf/website This ensures that the ENTIRE project can be easily retrieved.
Backup vs Archive Backups should be done regularly (weekly min for no production work and every day for production). It depends on your environment (how big/small) how this implemented.
Archive are when jobs are finished and invoiced (payment is received) This is then moved to the archive folder where it is backed-up on to external hard-drive and DAT tape - one of these media is then removed from the site (in cases of fire/theft).
Advantages - Windows has a very good 'previous versions' this needs to be set up on the server. It will give users the instant result (time saver) when they click 'previous versions'
Dis-advantages Cost - it takes money to have a very good back-up and archive process - Staff need to be trained and the process must be en-forced heavy to work effectively and as it should. (i.e. no leaving files on a local drive and the local drive fails)
Time is the other factor - time to plan/implement/train - also backup of terabytes of data can be time consuming - backups can run into each other if not.
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